Italian Government Gives Backing To 2026 Winter Games Bid

Italy's bid for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games "finally received backing" from the country's government, but "it will be up to the National Olympic Committee to decide which city leads the bid," according to Nick Butler of INSIDE THE GAMES. The government revealed its backing in a statement in which it "also warned the chosen project should have reduced costs and a clear legacy benefit." Milan, Turin and Cortina d'Ampezzo each submitted a feasibility study to the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) last week and a decision is due to be made on Tuesday "over which one to propose." Government backing is "no guarantee of success." A Rome bid for the 2024 Summer Games collapsed "despite clear and public support" from former PM Matteo Renzi (INSIDE THE GAMES, 7/7).